Study: Kitchen Renos Lead to Healthier Habits

2017 Houzz Kitchen Trend Study | January 11, 2017

Many homeowners who remodel their kitchen tend to develop healthier lifestyles, according to the 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey. Of more than 2,700 homeowners surveyed, 33 percent who completed a kitchen renovation say the project prompted them to cook more meals at home, eat less takeout, and consume more fruits and vegetables. Owners of all generations report such lifestyle changes after a kitchen redo, but millennials and baby boomers diverge on renovation tastes.
How Much Did They Spend?
Homeowners are putting more money into kitchen remodels. Nearly one in 10 spent more than $100,000 on their kitchen renovation in 2016, up 7 percent from two years ago, according to Houzz's survey. Twenty percent of homeowners spent between $50,000 and $100,000.
Millennial homeowners opt more often for modern or farmhouse styles, while boomers are more likely to choose a traditional style, the survey shows. Millennials also are more likely than boomers to install kitchen islands and pantry cabinets. White cabinets and countertops are more popular among younger homeowners, but gray remains the top wall color for all ages.
"Houzz research from the past three years shows that only one in six millennial homeowners and one in twelve older renovators start a kitchen renovation to improve the resale value of their home in preparation for a sale," says Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. "With the growing trend of homeowners choosing to stay in their home for the long-term, the return on investment from a kitchen remodel is less tangible, measured in healthier habits and more face-time with family and friends instead of dollars."